Allen signs new Swans deal

18 July 2011 09:30

Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers on Monday night confirmed that midfielder Joe Allen has signed a new contract with the club.

The Premier League newcomers had been keen to agree a new long-term deal with the Wales international, who was entering the final year of his existing contract.

While Rodgers did not reveal the length of the new deal, he told BBC Five Live: "Joe is fantastic. He is a player who at a lot of clubs would not be deemed big enough or strong enough. I was aware of his talent (before joining Swansea last summer), but, while he is not at the same level, he is that Xavi or Iniesta type of player."

He added: "He is 5ft 7in, not physically tall or great in stature but he is brilliant on the ball, has great intelligence and good mobility.

"For me it was vital for the likes of him and Neil Taylor to re-sign, they feel I am a manager that can work with young players and these boys are big signings for us.